Here’s the truth: managing and leading are not the same.
And if you’re only doing one—you’re not getting promoted.

In Secret #5 of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall Berg breaks down the critical difference between management and leadership, and why so many professionals get stuck in middle management because they’ve mastered task execution but never learned how to create vision. Or vice versa.

If you’ve ever wondered why you’re not getting tapped for bigger roles, this episode might be the reason.

🎧 Listen to this fifth installment of the 6-part mini-series leading up to the launch of Secrets of the Career Game—dropping May 13.

📘 Pre-order the book and email your receipt to thatcareercoach@gmail.com to unlock bonus resources, live Q&As, and Slack access.

• What’s the difference between managing and leading?
• Why do people get stuck in middle management?
• How do I show leadership if I’m not in a leadership role?
• What does it take to move from manager to director?
• Why do some managers never get promoted?
  
  

⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind

Burnout is everywhere—and I get why. We’ve wrapped our entire identity around our job titles, performance reviews, and LinkedIn headlines. I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many of us are teetering on the edge of burnout and how I’ve learned (the hard way) to separate who I am from what I do.

This isn’t your average career pep talk. I’m sharing how hobbies—yes, actual non-monetized hobbies—helped me reclaim my identity, prevent emotional exhaustion, and show up more powerfully at work and in life. From pageantry to paint-by-numbers to running a business on the side, I talk about why your post-5pm life matters just as much as your 9-to-5. Whether you're deep in the "lazy girl job" spiral or wondering how to pivot out of career-induced chaos, this one’s for you.

📚 In this episode, we discuss:

• What are signs your job has become your entire identity?

• How do I stop comparing my career to influencers online?

• Can hobbies actually help you get promoted?

• Why do high-achievers burn out faster?

• What are some good hobbies for people with high-stress jobs?

This might be the most misunderstood feedback in the workplace.

You’re not too direct. You’re not too opinionated.
You’re just communicating disagreement the wrong way.

In Secret #4 of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall Berg unpacks the career-limiting communication habits that hold people back from promotions, leadership roles, and real influence. If you’ve ever been told to “work on your tone” or “be more collaborative”—this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen to this fourth episode in our 6-part mini-series leading up to the book launch on May 13.

📘 Pre-order the book now and email your receipt to thatcareercoach@gmail.com for exclusive access to a private Slack group, bonus tools, and live Q&As.

• Why is how you disagree more important than your opinion?

• What do people mean by “work on your communication”?

• How do I give feedback without sounding combative?

• What’s the best way to disagree with a senior leader?
  
  

⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind

Kendall Berg sits down with viral career coach and former Google recruiter Farah Sharghi, and the conversation is a corporate culture reality check. From bad résumés to bad advice, Farah calls out what most job seekers are doing wrong—and what actually works if you're trying to stand out in today’s messy job market.

With firsthand experience at companies like TikTok, Uber, Lyft, and The New York Times, Farah doesn’t hold back on the pitfalls of “spray-and-pray” job applications, inflated job descriptions, and the jealousy that cost her a corporate gig. She drops hard truths on everything from how AI has wrecked the hiring process to why most people think they’re qualified when they’re not. (Spoiler: if you don’t speak Portuguese, don’t apply for that role that requires it. Looking at you.)

The conversation also touches on the real rules of the workplace—why HR isn’t your therapist, why your LinkedIn is your brand, and why networking shouldn’t only happen when you’re jobless. Oh, and there's a very real callout to anyone who thinks being “too honest” at work is a strength.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What are ghost jobs and why do companies post them?

• How can I tell if I’m actually qualified for a job?

• What’s the biggest mistake job seekers make with AI-generated résumés?

• Why doesn’t HR support employees the way we expect?

• How can I build a personal brand that attracts job offers?

⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind

Connect with Farah :

Work With Me: https://stan.store/farahsharghi

Website: https://www.farahsharghi.com

Podcast Production by Dany Albertina

This one stings—but it’s the truth.

Without a network, you will fail.
You can be a high performer, great at your job, and still get passed over—because no one outside your manager even knows who you are. That’s the career cliff Kendall tackles in Secret #3 of Secrets of the Career Game.

In this episode, Kendall shares the harsh realities of performance reviews, cross-calibrations, and how internal “heat maps” determine who gets promoted—and who doesn’t. You’ll also learn how to build meaningful relationships even if you work remotely, are introverted, or hate small talk.

🎧 Stream this third secret from the 6-part mini-series leading up to the launch of Secrets of the Career Game—out May 13.

📘 Pre-order now and email your receipt to thatcareercoach@gmail.com to unlock a private Slack group, bonus tools, and live Q&As with Kendall.

⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind

Some bosses are great. Others… force you into a game you never asked to play.

In this episode, Kendall Berg unpacks the real rules of surviving the workplace when you're dealing with toxic leadership—micromanagers, credit thieves, and internal gossip machines. Whether you're trying to manage up, navigate internal politics, or just stay sane in a dysfunctional team, Kendall gives you the scripts, mindset shifts, and tactical moves to stay in the game without selling your soul.

Learn how to stay visible without looking desperate, build your "network tree" to future-proof your next move, and why internal transfers might just be your secret career weapon. Because sometimes the issue isn’t you—it’s the broken org chart above you.

💡 Plus: Kendall shares how to create a regular update tracker, shut down gossip without drama, and leverage peers to escape your boss’s political tornado.

• What should I do if my boss micromanages me?

• How do I get credit for my work when my boss steals it?
  How do I manage toxic office politics without quitting?

• Should I leave or try for an internal transfer?

• What are signs my boss is sabotaging my career?

Pre-order Secrets of the Career Game (out May 13) to access exclusive resources, a private Slack group, and live Q&A sessions with Kendall.

👉 Pre-order now and send your receipt to thatcareercoach@gmail.com to join the community.

⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind

Most people think skills are what get them promoted.
But if those skills don’t match what the company needs or values—they’re not worth much. That’s the hard truth behind Secret #2 of Secrets of the Career Game.

Kendall unpacks why skill alignment is the real key to professional growth. She explains how even high performers can fail when their talents don’t line up with team culture or leadership expectations. This minisode is a must-listen for anyone applying to jobs, switching roles, or wondering why their current role just doesn’t “click.”

🎧 Listen to this special bonus episode in our 6-part mini-series leading up to the release of Secrets of the Career Game — launching May 13.

📘 Pre-order the book now and send your receipt to thatcareercoach@gmail.com to unlock exclusive resources, live Q&As, and a private Slack group.

• Why do high performers sometimes struggle at work?

• What is skill alignment and why does it matter?

• How do I know if a company values my strengths?
  What questions should I ask in interviews to assess alignment?

• How can I identify the kind of leader I thrive under?

⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind

Pre-order Secrets of the Career Game (out May 13) to access exclusive resources, a private Slack group, and live Q&A sessions with Kendall.

👉 Pre-order now and send your receipt to thatcareercoach@gmail.com to join the community.

⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

MEET TRACEY NEWELL

Specializing in accelerating go-to-market teams and top line revenue growth, Tracey Newell serves on the board of five high growth software companies, Sailpoint, Druva, Highspot, DataRobot, and Deepwatch. Tracey also serves as an advisor for Blackrock Long Term Private Capital and Spring Coast Capital Partners.

Book: Hers For The Taking: Your Path to the C-Suite and Beyond:

Website: https://www.tracey-newell.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-newell/